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Buy Now →These Citrus Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly dough and a tangy, sweet citrus filling made from lemons and oranges. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these bars are a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether served with tea or as a dessert, their vibrant flavor and crumbly texture are sure to impress.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 280 g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 g (1/2 tsp) baking powder
- 0.5 g (pinch) salt
- 60 g (1/4 cup) sugar
- 10 g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar
- 50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) sour cream (20–25% fat)
- 150 g (10 1/2 tbsp) cold butter (82% fat), diced
For the Filling:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) peeled lemons (approximately 2–3 lemons)
- 150 g (5.3 oz) orange without peel (approximately 1 medium orange)
- 30 g (2 1/2 tbsp) starch (cornstarch or any starch)
- 150 g (3/4 cup) sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper.
- Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla sugar until well combined.
- Add cold diced butter to the flour mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into a fine crumb texture.
- Pour in the sour cream mixture and quickly knead into a dough. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough into two parts: 2/3 for the base and 1/3 for the topping.
- Press the larger portion into the prepared baking dish, forming a small edge about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) high. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Wrap the smaller portion in plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Citrus Filling:
- Remove the zest from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith. Peel the lemons, remove seeds, and separate the flesh from the membranes.
- Peel the orange, remove seeds, and cut into segments.
- Combine the lemon zest, lemon flesh, and orange segments in a blender. Blend to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and stir in the starch and sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Spread the cooled citrus filling evenly over the chilled dough base.
- Grate the frozen dough evenly over the top of the filling.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once cooled, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a dessert with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- These bars make a perfect gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.
Cooking Tips
- Use very cold butter to achieve a crumbly dough texture.
- If you prefer a more tart filling, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Ensure the citrus filling is completely cool before spreading it on the dough base to prevent it from softening the crust.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lemons and oranges are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health.
- The sour cream in the dough adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Contains gluten and dairy
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 12 Bars)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The vibrant citrus filling is refreshing and perfectly balances the buttery crust.
- It’s a versatile treat that works for casual afternoons or elegant occasions.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels gourmet.
- The combination of textures—crumbly crust, creamy filling, and crispy topping—is irresistible.
Conclusion
These Citrus Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and stunning to serve. The tart and sweet citrus filling combined with a buttery, flaky crust makes for a treat that’s perfect any time of year. Whether for a gathering or just an indulgent snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try—you’ll love every bite!